Touch of Retro

Gary Cooper Stamp Coming September 10th

Rosalind Hancroft — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:00:15 +0000

As part of their Legends of Hollywood stamp series, the U.S. Postal Service will honor Gary Cooper, the all-amercian leading man from Hollywood’s “Golden Age.”

His stellar career includes such great films as Meet John Doe, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Beau Geste, Sergeant York, and High Noon.

Buy them quickly or they will be gone! (Because I will buy them all!)

Tom Jones sings “Delilah” (1968)

Rosalind Hancroft — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 06:02:59 +0000

Tom Jones sings “Delilah” on Britain’s Top of the Pops. Please enjoy the singing because you are not going to enjoy the dancing. Apparently, those poor dears are afflicted with “No Rhythm” syndrome!

‘The Saint’ – The TV Titles

Rosalind Hancroft — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:11:55 +0000

“The Saint” was a wonderful British television program based on the novels by Leslie Charteris. Roger Moore played the role of Simon Templar, the hero who would leave his “saint-ly” calling card, a stick figure with a halo. You should watch it some time!

Below are two different titles used during the show’s run – one in black & white and the other in color. The first one is just utilitarian, but the second one is very jazzy and hip.

Black & White Intro (short & simple, with a jazzy theme)

Color Intro (longer & more graphics, with a faster theme)

‘Femme Pratique’ (Practical Woman)

Rosalind Hancroft — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 06:23:47 +0000

This is the cover of a French magazine called “Femme Pratique” or “Practical Woman” in English. I don’t think this woman is very practical for letting her child stick its hand in the fan blades of that ‘robot!’

“Mom, how did I lose my hand?”
“Well, dear, we were doing this cover shoot…”

They ‘Girl-Up’

Rosalind Hancroft — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 05:49:17 +0000

“Beverly Hillbillies” for Kellogg’s Corn Flakes…

‘Sesame Street’ to Parody ‘Mad Men’

Rosalind Hancroft — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:52:38 +0000

It is being reported that “Sesame Street” is going to do a parody of AMC’s critically-acclaimed show, “Mad Men.” And just why are they doing this?

From The Live Feed article:

“Sesame Workshop’s VP of Education and Research, Dr. Rosemarie Truglio adds, ‘Sesame Street has always been written on two levels. And the children don’t understand these parodies, but the adult does…’”

This is not the first time they have done a parody. A few years ago, “Sesame Street” did a take-off “Desperate Housewives” called “Desperate Houseplants.”

I am looking forward to this one!

Note: The ‘Elmo Draper’ photo above is just an imagining. It is not an official image. Do you think they would release a photo of Elmo smoking?!?

‘Mad Men’ Season 3 Wallpapers and IM Icons

Rosalind Hancroft — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:09:49 +0000

To get ready for season three of “Mad Men,” you simply must download these fabulous (and free!) wallpapers and IM icons from AMC’s “Mad Men” website. It features six beautiful wallpapers and ten lovely icons to choose from – or download them all! And don’t forget the Mad Men opening sequence screensaver.

Mad Men premieres August 16th at 10pm/9pm Central.

Cheers! The Cocktail is Back

Rosalind Hancroft — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 03:41:21 +0000

Apparently, the cocktail is coming back into fashion. Between you and I, darlings, I never gave up cocktails.

Bottoms up!

‘Early TV Memories’ Stamp Set to be Released on August 11th

Rosalind Hancroft — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:13:56 +0000

Mark your calendars, darlings! The U.S. Postal Service will release the “Early TV Memories” stamp set on August 11th to commemorate the shows that entertained us at the dawn of the television era.

The Early TV Memories stamp set includes: Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet; Alfred Hitchcock Presents; Dinah Shore Show; Dragnet; Ed Sullivan Show; George Burns & Gracie Allen Show; Hopalong Cassidy; The Honeymooners; Howdy Doody; I Love Lucy; Kukla, Fran and Ollie; Lassie; The Lone Ranger; Perry Mason; Phil Silvers Show; The Red Skelton Show; Texaco Star Theater; Tonight Show; Twilight Zone; and, You Bet Your Life.

Monday Meal: Carving Magic (with Harvey Korman)

Rosalind Hancroft — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:39:14 +0000

It’s your Monday Meal time again! Today we have a lovely video clip called “Carving Magic.” This instructional film teaches you how to carve different types of meat. And as a bonus, Harvey Korman co-stars as the clueless guy who asks all the questions. (For those who don’t know, Harvey Korman is best known for “The Carol Burnett Show.”)

So sit back, relax and learn all about the art of carving. And be sure to pull out your projector and show this film to all your friends at your next dinner party. It’ll be swell!

(Note: Turn the volume UP!)

“Harvey” Remake Coming Next Year

Rosalind Hancroft — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 01:34:31 +0000

Steven Spielberg is set to remake the classic movie “Harvey,” the story of a man who claims to have an invisible 6-foot rabbit friend. Casting is not set, but studio execs expect the film to open late next year.

James Stewart starred in the original 1950 film as the lovable eccentric, Elwood P. Dowd. Josephine Hull won an Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role as Veta Louise Simmons. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize play by Mary Chase.

August 2009 Desktop Calendar

Rosalind Hancroft — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:19:33 +0000

For my darling readers, an August 2009 desktop calendar to decorate your lovely computer! Enjoy!

Man Men Yourself! The Sci-Fi Version

Rosalind Hancroft — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 06:04:04 +0000

Taking the Man Men Yourself game one step beyond.

Never Before a Lipstick So Red!

Rosalind Hancroft — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:18:41 +0000

This Viv commercial tries real hard to convince you how red their lipstick is, despite the fact that this commercial is in black and white.

“… redder than a fire engine!”

Mad Men Yourself!

Rosalind Hancroft — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 07:08:43 +0000

To promote the third season of Mad Men, AMC has a new website that allows you to create an avatar in “Mad Men” style. You can dress up as Don, Peggy, Joan, Roger or create someone new! I created myself sharing a drink with Don Draper (of course, darling!). You can save the image as a thumbnail for Twitter, a medium size for your iPhone and a full-size for your desktop.

Just go to www.madmenyourself.com and have fun! You will spend a lot of time playing dress-up.

The illustrations are done by the fabulous Dyna Moe, illustrator extraordinaire and a swell gal.

Be sleek, be stylish, be yourself!

Bless His Heart – Jim’s Making Coffee!

Rosalind Hancroft — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:13:54 +0000

“Yes, every meal is happier – chummier – when sparked by this best-loved beverage!”

Can You Guess What This Is?

Rosalind Hancroft — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 06:44:52 +0000

No darling, it’s not a portable “Cone of Silence.”

1977 German ad

Walter Cronkite on “What’s My Line” (1956)

Rosalind Hancroft — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:38:48 +0000

In memory of Walter Cronkite, here is a clip from What’s My Line, with Charles Collingwood, Douglas Edwards, Eric Sevareid, and Robert Trout. They were a part of the CBS news team covering the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. It originally aired on August 12, 1956.

Baby Beatniks (1961)

Rosalind Hancroft — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 05:51:07 +0000

“Baby beatniks go to a party in Brighton, Australia. Peter Hanlon, 4, and Jane Selleck, 3. really look like cool kittens.”
From The Star Weekly, Toronto, January 14, 1961

Your Hit Parade: Autumn Leaves

Rosalind Hancroft — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 05:31:35 +0000

A tongue-in-cheek version of “Little Red Riding Hood” set to the music of “Autumn Leaves,” with Tad Tadlock.